Music

Busta Rhymes' latest album is Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God.

Music & Culture

Busta Rhymes On 'Extinction Level Event 2' And Hip-Hop As A Daily Practice

6:23pm November 23, 2020

The latest in a prolific career, Busta's new album is a sequel — delivered 22 years after the first Extinction Level Event — and a characteristically big, ambitious project.

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Bad Bunny, photographed at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J. on Aug. 26, 2019.

Music & Culture

Bad Bunny Diagnosed With COVID-19

3:31pm November 23, 2020

by Andrew Flanagan

The Puerto Rican star was expected to perform during the American Music Awards on Sunday night, but cancelled at the last minute.

Music & Culture

KEM: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

5:01am November 23, 2020

by Suraya Mohamed

The R&B veteran performs three songs from his latest album for our Tiny Desk quarantine series.

Pastor Juan D. Shipp is the radio personality responsible for The Last Shall Be First: The JCR Records Story, Vol. 1, a new collection of old gospel songs.

Music & Culture

'The Last Shall Be First': A Lost Chapter Of Gospel, Saved From Extinction

8:25am November 22, 2020

by Peter Breslow

The Last Shall Be First: The JCR Records Story, Vol. 1 is a collection of gospel music first recorded in 1970s Memphis and released for the first time after years spent tracking down master tapes.

'The Last Shall Be First' Gives A Second Life To Gospel Performances

8:20am November 22, 2020

by Peter Breslow

There is a new collection of old gospel music first recorded by two small labels in Memphis back in the 1970's. It's called The Last Shall be First, and we take a look at how it came together.

The members of New York-based brass quartet The Westerlies are rehearsing together thousands of miles apart, thanks to Audio Movers.

Music & Culture

Musicians Turn To New Software To Play Together Online

5:06pm November 21, 2020

by Marcie Sillman

Since the pandemic started, musicians have been trying to find ways to play together in real time online. Two platforms — Audio Movers and Jack Trip — offer promise.

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Music & Culture

This Thanksgiving, Put On Some Music To Soothe

7:56am November 21, 2020

It'll be a tough Thanksgiving for many people unable to gather with friends and family. But music can offer some companionship and solace. Conductor Marin Alsop offers some suggestions.

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Music & Culture

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion's Year In Music

5:41pm November 20, 2020

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with pop culture and music writer Taylor Crumpton about the artist's year in music and her debut album Good News.

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Instrumental acoustic ensemble, Hawktail, is featured on this week's episode.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Harvest

12:53pm November 20, 2020

New releases from musicians are a bright reminder that they will sing and play and record their music even through tough times.

Víctor Manuelle, performing onstage during the 21st Annual Latin Grammy Awards at American Airlines Arena on Nov. 19, 2020 in Miami.

Music & Culture

Latin Grammys 2020: Natalia Lafourcade, Residente Among Big Winners

8:06am November 20, 2020

by Felix Contreras

In a ceremony that, like many this year, lacked some momentum, the Latin Grammys were able to find their way towards recognizing the promise of the present.